Police are hunting a man who tried to lure a little boy into his van with sweets in broad daylight - and while wearing a skeleton mask.
Parents in the Penhill area of Swindon have been told to be vigilant following the terrifying incident on Monday.
Wiltshire Police said a man in a white van pulled up alongside the victim, nine, at a park and offered him treats if he got into the back.
The frightened youngster then started to run home - where he was approached again.
The force said: "The man is described as being white with a stocky build and he had a Scottish accent.
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"He was wearing a skeleton balaclava with holes cut out for the eyes and nose.
"The boy said he could see the man had a ginger/brown beard poking out of the bottom.
"His van is described as being long and white with no windows at the back."
A witness appeal has now been launched, with anyone with information about the van asked to get in touch.
A statement added: "We're asking parents to be vigilant following a report of the attempted abduction of a nine-year-old boy in Swindon yesterday (30/08).
"It happened at some time between midday and 1pm when the boy was playing at the park near Alton Close in Penhill.
"A man in a white van pulled up near him and said he'd give the boy some sweets if he got in the back.
"The boy started to run back home but was approached again when he was on Heddington Close.
"You can contact us online or call 101 quoting reference 54210084425.
"You can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
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